Link 51 responds to call for PPE storage

Link 51, the UK’s largest locker manufacturer, is helping fire stations across the country solve the problem of storing personnel Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kit in the appliance bay.

The issue is more prevalent in smaller fire stations, those that operate two or three tenders and have no separate kit room. This situation means that all the bulky PPE kit, helmets, tunics, over trousers and boots, are usually hung in the appliance bay next to the fire engines. This can result in cluttered and untidy bays and the kit being covered in exhaust fume deposits.

Andy Millward, Link 51Sales Director says: “In our experience of supplying a range of locker and storage solutions to many different fire stations, a standard off-the-shelf locker system is not an option.”

“There are too many factors to consider when designing lockers for smaller fire stations, i.e. the space available, the number of lockers required and the size of the equipment to be stored. Shift patterns are also a key consideration when creating personal lockers for fire fighters. For example, one fire station who operated a five watch system wanted the doors colour coded in line with the system. This was to ensure that their fire fighters could easily identity their locker quickly in an emergency situation.”

All the lockers supplied have also been coated with a unique BioCote® protective finish, which Link 51provides as standard on all painted steel products. The silver-based antimicrobial technology reduces the risks associated with bacterial cross-contamination.

Andy concluded: “The advantage for us is that we have the widest choice of lockers available and they can all be customised to meet the fire station’s specific needs. This is further supported by a nationwide team of experienced personnel who provide an all encompassing support package from survey and design to installation and annual service reviews.”